Meet Captain John
Captain John Mauser is a fly fishing and light tackle guide out of Swansboro, North Carolina. He has been fishing the waters of North Carolina for thirty-five years. John spent his youth on the Chowan River in the Northeast part of the state hunting for bluegill and bass. The Chowan River was also the location where he first cast a fly rod…throwing little popping bugs at lily pads in search of bass. As a teenager, he became more familiar with the great saltwater fishing available along the coast.
John graduated from UNC Wilmington with a Marine Biology Degree and soon started working for the North Carolina Aquariums. For the past 20 years, Mauser has called Swansboro his home and has spent a great deal of his time learning the local waters. He and his wife have two sons, a 15-year old and a 9-year old, who always keep life interesting.
John helped establish the local "Crystal Coast" Project Healing Water's Program, which rehabilitates disabled military veterans through fly tying and fly-fishing activities. Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing
In 2014, John helped re-form the Cape Lookout Albacore Festival, and served as a board member for the first five years. The Cape Lookout Albacore Festival is a 3-day event, held each October around the height of the fall False Albacore run. The festival consists of a private fishing event for disabled veterans, a public fishing tournament, auctions, dinners and captains' parties. All of the funds from each C.L.A.F. is donated to Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing at the State and National Levels. Cape Lookout Albacore Festival
In 2017, John launched Mauser Fly Fishing. A local manufacturer of USA made fly rods. John's love for guiding anglers and giving casting instruction, led to the formation of this brand. John will tell you, that this company is the most challenging thing he's ever attempted, and he loves every second of it. Mauser Fly Fishing
In 2019, John worked with a few other local fly-fishing guides and formed the Carolina Fly Fishing Academy. The academy offers 1 and 2 day courses based around saltwater fly fishing in the South East. Carolina Fly Fishing Academy
John graduated from UNC Wilmington with a Marine Biology Degree and soon started working for the North Carolina Aquariums. For the past 20 years, Mauser has called Swansboro his home and has spent a great deal of his time learning the local waters. He and his wife have two sons, a 15-year old and a 9-year old, who always keep life interesting.
John helped establish the local "Crystal Coast" Project Healing Water's Program, which rehabilitates disabled military veterans through fly tying and fly-fishing activities. Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing
In 2014, John helped re-form the Cape Lookout Albacore Festival, and served as a board member for the first five years. The Cape Lookout Albacore Festival is a 3-day event, held each October around the height of the fall False Albacore run. The festival consists of a private fishing event for disabled veterans, a public fishing tournament, auctions, dinners and captains' parties. All of the funds from each C.L.A.F. is donated to Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing at the State and National Levels. Cape Lookout Albacore Festival
In 2017, John launched Mauser Fly Fishing. A local manufacturer of USA made fly rods. John's love for guiding anglers and giving casting instruction, led to the formation of this brand. John will tell you, that this company is the most challenging thing he's ever attempted, and he loves every second of it. Mauser Fly Fishing
In 2019, John worked with a few other local fly-fishing guides and formed the Carolina Fly Fishing Academy. The academy offers 1 and 2 day courses based around saltwater fly fishing in the South East. Carolina Fly Fishing Academy
Boat and Equipment
The Boat - East Cape Fury
To take advantage of the shallow flats and backwaters, we fish out of an East Cape Fury powered by a Suzuki 60hp outboard. The Fury is one of the finest technical poling skiffs on the market. The skiff provides a very shallow draft, floating in the skinniest of the backwater areas, while at the same time being able to handle rough water and trips out the inlet for fishing along the beach. At 18ft in length with a 72" beam, and with an enormous amount of deck space, the boat has plenty of room for a pair of anglers. The boat provides for a silent and stealthy approach to the most wary of fish. The skiff has all of the required safety equipment on board.
The Boat - Parker 23CC
Our Classic Parker 23 is designed to comfortably get you to the fish, even in less than ideal conditions. Powered by a Yamaha 200hp 4stroke, we can run the sounds, inlets, beaches and out to the wrecks looking for fish. This boat is rigged with the latest electronics and safety equipment, and can carry fly and conventional gear. The Parker has a ton of space, with plenty of room for a pair of fly anglers to cast, while also being setup to troll the beaches or bottom fish nearshore wrecks. Albies, Spanish Mackerel, Kings, Cobia, Amberjack, Sharks...you name it, we are ready to go!
What We Provide
Fly rods by Mauser Fly Fishing
Fly reels by Hatch Outdoors
Fly lines by Scientific Anglers.
Flies are hand tied by the Captain.
Spinning rods by TFO
Reels by Florida Fishing Products
Braided line by Power Pro Slick 8
Tackle provided by the Captain.
We have a cooler with ice and bottled water.
We have life jackets/safety gear on-board.
Our boats have a blanket saltwater fishing license.
We will provide quality photos of your days catch.
Fly reels by Hatch Outdoors
Fly lines by Scientific Anglers.
Flies are hand tied by the Captain.
Spinning rods by TFO
Reels by Florida Fishing Products
Braided line by Power Pro Slick 8
Tackle provided by the Captain.
We have a cooler with ice and bottled water.
We have life jackets/safety gear on-board.
Our boats have a blanket saltwater fishing license.
We will provide quality photos of your days catch.
What to Bring
Sunglasses - polarized glasses in copper, amber, or vermillion for sight fishing
Sun Protection - sunscreen, hat, clothes with sun protection
Rain Gear - Storms can quickly pop up on summer afternoons, so bring a rain jacket if rain is in the forecast
Footwear - shoes with non-marking soles for the boat, and water shoes if there is the possibility of wading
Camera - we will provide photos of your catch, but feel free to bring your own camera
Fishing License - Freshwater fishing licenses can be purchased here . Our boats have a blanket saltwater license.
Snacks or drinks (we provide water)
Feel free to bring any favorite rods, lures, etc
Sun Protection - sunscreen, hat, clothes with sun protection
Rain Gear - Storms can quickly pop up on summer afternoons, so bring a rain jacket if rain is in the forecast
Footwear - shoes with non-marking soles for the boat, and water shoes if there is the possibility of wading
Camera - we will provide photos of your catch, but feel free to bring your own camera
Fishing License - Freshwater fishing licenses can be purchased here . Our boats have a blanket saltwater license.
Snacks or drinks (we provide water)
Feel free to bring any favorite rods, lures, etc
Pricing
Inshore Light Tackle and Fly Rates (Redfish, Trout, etc)
(Poling Skiff - 1 to 2 anglers)
Half Day……….4hrs……….$450
3/4 Day………..6hrs……….$550
Full Day………..8hrs……….$650
*Cost is for 1-2 anglers; $50 extra for a 3rd angler.
3/4 Day………..6hrs……….$550
Full Day………..8hrs……….$650
*Cost is for 1-2 anglers; $50 extra for a 3rd angler.
Inlet, Nearshore, and Ocean Light Tackle and Fly Rates
(Center Console - 1-4 anglers)
Half Day……….4hrs……….$600
3/4 Day………..6hrs……….$700
Full Day………..8hrs……….$800
3/4 Day………..6hrs……….$700
Full Day………..8hrs……….$800
Roanoke River Shad (March 26-30, 2025)
(Poling Skiff - 1 to 2 anglers)
Long Half Day ..... 5hrs (7:30am-12:30pm or 1pm to 6pm) ...... $500
Full Day ..... 8hrs (7:30am to 3:30pm) …... $700
*Cost is for 1-2 anglers; $50 extra for a 3rd angler.
*We can coordinate multiple boats for larger groups.
Full Day ..... 8hrs (7:30am to 3:30pm) …... $700
*Cost is for 1-2 anglers; $50 extra for a 3rd angler.
*We can coordinate multiple boats for larger groups.
Roanoke River Striped Bass (May 1-10, 2025)
(Poling Skiff - 1 to 2 anglers)
Long Half Day ..... 5hrs (6am-11am or 3-8pm) ...... $550
Regular Full Day ..... 8hrs (6am to 2pm) ..... $750
Long Full Day .....10hrs (6am-11am and 3-8pm) ….. $900
*Cost is for 1-2 anglers; $50 extra for a 3rd angler.
*If live bait fishing is requested, live bait costs will be added to the trip.
*We can coordinate multiple boats for larger groups.
Regular Full Day ..... 8hrs (6am to 2pm) ..... $750
Long Full Day .....10hrs (6am-11am and 3-8pm) ….. $900
*Cost is for 1-2 anglers; $50 extra for a 3rd angler.
*If live bait fishing is requested, live bait costs will be added to the trip.
*We can coordinate multiple boats for larger groups.
Blackwater Canoe Trips
4hr Trip ..... $300
6hr Trip ..... $400
*1 Angler per Trip
6hr Trip ..... $400
*1 Angler per Trip
Kid Trips
Ready for a literal "boat load of fun"? Big smiles are a guarantee when you combine an exciting boat ride with catching lots of fish.
*We can also combine our kid's fishing trips with other opportunities such as shelling, fossil hunting and more!
*We can also combine our kid's fishing trips with other opportunities such as shelling, fossil hunting and more!
2hrs..........$200
3hrs..........$250
4hrs..........$300
*Bait included.
3hrs..........$250
4hrs..........$300
*Bait included.
Eco Tours (wildlife viewing, photography trips, shelling, fossils, etc)
2hrs……….$200
3hrs..........$250
4hrs……….$300
3hrs..........$250
4hrs……….$300
Fly Casting Lessons
New to Fly Fishing or coming from a fresh water background, and looking to get a jump on saltwater fly fishing? Fly casting lessons are available by appointment. We can cover different techniques such as double hauling, throwing sinking lines, etc. Call or email for an appointment.
$100 for first hour
$50 each additional hour
$100 for first hour
$50 each additional hour
Deposits
Call or email us to check on trip date availability. A $100 deposit is required to reserve your fishing charter. We can accept Venmo, Paypal, a mailed money order/cashiers check or call and provide your Credit Card information.
If you need to cancel your trip 7 days or more in advance, your deposit will be fully refunded. If you cancel your trip within 7 days, your deposit will not be refunded. Cancellations by anglers within 48 hours of the trip, and no shows on the day of the trip will be charged full rate of the trip. If the captain cancels the trip at any time for any reason (weather, etc.), we will reschedule your trip or refund your deposit (your choice).
Remainder owed for the trip will be paid to the Captain via cash, Venmo, Paypal, money order/cashiers check or credit card at the end of the trip.
If you need to cancel your trip 7 days or more in advance, your deposit will be fully refunded. If you cancel your trip within 7 days, your deposit will not be refunded. Cancellations by anglers within 48 hours of the trip, and no shows on the day of the trip will be charged full rate of the trip. If the captain cancels the trip at any time for any reason (weather, etc.), we will reschedule your trip or refund your deposit (your choice).
Remainder owed for the trip will be paid to the Captain via cash, Venmo, Paypal, money order/cashiers check or credit card at the end of the trip.
Testimonials
"What an incredibly fun day being guided by John Mauser. Brother, thank you for a guides day off we will not long forget!"
- Wanda Hair Taylor - FFF Master Casting Instructor, Guide, and TFO Advisory Staff
- Wanda Hair Taylor - FFF Master Casting Instructor, Guide, and TFO Advisory Staff
"I have fished all over with many guides, but every time I fish with John I come out having learned something new. A deep knowledge of the species and habitat guarantee one of the most memorable days on the water you've ever had."
-Jake Blimline
-Jake Blimline
"This was the best fishing trip of my life. I'm planning on booking half a week next time. Great time and great memories."
-Chris Helton
-Chris Helton
"The first spot we checked had a school of nearly 100 redfish and every other spot we went to was full of life. He was extremely patient with my novice fly casting and I never felt intimidated. By the end of the day we were worn out from catching fish and I felt like I had a new fishing buddy. Cant wait to fish with him again"
-Will Epperson
-Will Epperson
"I'd never seen a redfish other than in pictures. My first time out with John I saw my first tailing redfish. We stalked him across the flat, and somehow John got me into position to get him to eat THREE TIMES! They say the third time's a charm, and I agree. John made me feel as at home on the skiff as I always had on the river, and in the end I had tears of joy!"
-Kellie Sutton
-Kellie Sutton
"Angling is about far more than the fish. It is becoming immersed in the waters, finding peace, and letting the rest of the world fade away. John understands. He is the most unassuming, joyful man, and my time spent with him is a treasure. His knowledge of the fish and their waters in unmatched, and he shares it like an old friend."
-Chris Thompson
-Chris Thompson
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"John is an excellent guide for every skill level. Being my first guided trip; when I got too tired with the fly rod, John was still able to help me catch False Albacore on a spinning rod. He even let me hug my fish, then showed me how to correctly toss it back into the ocean. Thanks for so many great memories!
-Katy Fox
-Katy Fox